Sanskrit
|san-skrit|
/ˈsænskrɪpt/
well-formed/refined speech (classical language)
Etymology
'Sanskrit' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'saṃskṛta', where 'sam-' meant 'together' or 'completely' and the root 'kṛ' meant 'to do, make'; 'saṃskṛta' therefore conveyed the sense 'well-formed' or 'perfected'.
'Sanskrit' entered European languages via colonial-era scholarship: from Sanskrit 'saṃskṛta' into New Latin and modern European scholarly usage (e.g. 'Sanskrit' in English) during the 17th–19th centuries, becoming established in English as the name of the language.
Initially, in Sanskrit, 'saṃskṛta' meant 'well-formed' or 'refined'; over time, in English it came to denote specifically the classical language and related literature and traditions.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the classical Indo-Aryan language of ancient and medieval India, in which many Hindu scriptures and classical texts are written; also used as a liturgical language in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
She studied Sanskrit to read ancient religious texts.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the Sanskrit language, its literature, or its cultural/literary tradition.
He is a Sanskrit scholar specializing in Vedic hymns.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/01 14:24